Around 250 including Bangladeshis missing after boat capsizes in Andaman Sea

Around 250 people, including Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals, are missing after a boat capsized in the Andaman Sea, according to a joint statement by the UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The vessel reportedly departed from Teknaf in southeastern Bangladesh en route to Malaysia when it sank amid rough seas, strong winds and overcrowding.

In their statement, UN agencies expressed deep concern over the tragedy, calling it a stark consequence of prolonged displacement and lack of sustainable solutions for Rohingya refugees.

They noted that ongoing violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State continues to limit prospects for safe and voluntary return, while shrinking humanitarian aid and limited access to education and livelihoods are worsening living conditions in refugee camps.

The agencies said these conditions are pushing many to risk dangerous sea journeys, often facilitated by smugglers exploiting vulnerable people with false promises of employment abroad.

They warned that without coordinated international action, more lives could be lost on similar migration routes across the region.

UNHCR and IOM urged stronger funding and solidarity to sustain life-saving assistance for refugees and support host communities in Bangladesh, while calling for urgent efforts to address the root causes of displacement.